Integrated Management Systems for SMEs: One system that works across ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001

If you are running separate systems for quality, environment and health and safety, daily work gets harder than it needs to be. An Integrated Management Systems (IMS) brings ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 together so processes are consistent, responsibilities are clear and improvement becomes routine. This guide shows a practical route that fits small and medium-sized businesses. 

What is an IMS and why it matters 

An IMS is a single framework that covers policy, planning, risk and opportunity, operations, performance evaluation and improvement for multiple ISO standards. For SMEs the benefits are tangible: fewer duplicate documents, one set of objectives, unified training, a single audit programme and clearer accountability for managers. 

When to consider integration 

 • You already hold one ISO certification and are adding another 

 • Different teams manage quality, environmental and H&S separately 

 • Internal audits feel repetitive and time-consuming 

 • Incident, complaint and environmental data are tracked in different tools 

 • Your leadership team wants a clearer view of risk and performance 

A simple 6-step road-map 

1. Start with context and risks 

List interested parties, business issues and key risks. Map shared risks that touch quality, environment and H&S, then prioritise them. 

2. Create one policy and set of objectives 

Write a short integrated policy signed by leadership. Set measurable objectives that align across standards, such as customer delivery performance, waste reduction and incident reduction. 

3. Standardise core processes 

Document how you control documents, training, procurement, change and corrective action once, for everyone. Use simple flowcharts to reduce text. 

4. Unify compliance evidence 

Keep one legal register, one action tracker and one competence matrix. Link each risk to controls and monitoring tasks so nothing is missed. 

5. Run risk-based internal audits 

Build one audit plan that targets the highest risks and key processes. Mix interviews, go-see on the floor and sampling of real records. Prioritise fixes and close the loop quickly. 

6. Review and improve 

Hold an integrated management review that looks at objectives, audits, incidents, complaints, supplier performance and legal compliance. Decide what to stop, start or change. 

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them 

 • Copying three sets of procedures into a single binder without change 

 • Keeping separate action logs for each standard 

 • Auditing for compliance only, not for improvement 

 • Over-complicated documents that people will not use 

Keep it lean. If a process does not help people do their job, simplify it. 

How MyBase supports an Integrated Management Systems

Use MyBase to centralise policies, procedures, training, audits and actions. Link risks to controls and monitoring, assign owners and due dates, and keep evidence ready for certification audits. One place, one version of the truth. 

What you get with BSL 

 • Gap analysis and integration plan 

 • Document streamlining and template pack 

 • Internal audit delivery and coaching 

 • Legal register setup and action tracking 

 • Certification support for ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 

Want an IMS that fits the way your business works? Contact Base Solutions Ltd at +44 (0)20 3976 9478 or info@basesolutionsltd.com to get started.